Socialist leader Sharad Yadav left for his heavenly abode on Thursday night at the age of 75. Condolences have been pouring in from every quarter of the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his condolence message said he will always remember the meetings and friendly conversations with the stalwart socialist leader.
A product of student’s politics, Yadav’s illustrious political career spanning over more than four and a half decades saw many ups and downs dotted with several splits and mergers necessitated by the practical needs of the day.
He remained relevant through changing political environments and issues. Be it the JP movement of 1974, or the implementation of the Mandal commission recommendations, or joining NDA in 1999 under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee – his career milestones merged with India’s journey through power transitions.
Born in a village in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh a month before India became independent, Sharad Yadav took the plunge in politics when he was fielded from Jabalpur Lok Sabha seat by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1974. He won again in 1977 from the same seat.